Ines Di Santo Bridal Spring 2017

 While floral blossoms or spring gardens may not be such an original idea for spring bridal collections, Ines Di Santo found a way in her spring 2017 collection to keep this tried-and-true bridal motif fresh and current. And what was great starting point for the collection was Di Santo’s floral decoration on the proscenium arch of the runway entrance.

For spring 2017 Ines Di Santo to looked to a beautiful garden with its variety of spring blossoms; a typical spring bridal reference; however, Ines Di Santo made it her own. Di Santo understands how to mix just the right combination of floral appliques, embellishments and layers of lace, tulle and organza with modern silhouettes to appeal to the modern bride without seeming encumbered or overdone.

 Granted there was an element of frothiness and frivolity in this spring 2017 outing. (Very low-dipped décolletage buttressed by a slight over abundance of floral appliques and embellishments on bridal shrugs and capes did pop up in this collection, but that is to be expected from Di Santo.)  Still, if there is a day to have frothy glamour and whimsical fancy, a spring/summer wedding fits the bill.

What stands out most about this collection is that season after season Di Santo is able to hold true to her brand’s DNA of glamorous, couture-like bridal without appearing out of touch with what modern, young brides want to wear. As with many bridal collections this season, the high/low gowns were the standouts. And Di Santo did an excellent job of showcasing high/low gowns in this collection, all staying within her signature design aesthetic of sensual couture-like bridal garment the emphasize the feminine silhouette.

Di Santo, true to form, also includes several mermaid silhouettes with sexy illusions, corsets, and cutouts. When some designers employ these potentially sexy elements, the bridal collections come off a bit tasteless, minimizing the beauty of the gown. Di Santo doesn’t have that challenge, the injection of sensuality never comes across as overtly kittenish or salacious; Di Santo’s brand of sensuality is beautifully balanced with her signature design aesthetic and seasonal motif.

Though there several standout gowns in this spring 2017 collection, standouts include this season sheer pink floral jumpsuit with detachable peplum miniskirt, silk and organza low dipped fit-to-flare peplum gown with floral appliques, and floral pink and green one-shoulder ball gown which was the showstopper of the collection.

—William S. Gooch